Cricket World Cup Recap: Australia became the first nation to win three consecutive World Cups in 2007

Australia defeated Sri Lanka in the 2007 final, becoming the first country to win three Cricket World Cup in a row, as well as their fourth 50-over title overall.

The Caribbean Islands hosted the ninth edition of the world’s premier ODI cricket competition. The number of players increased to 16, and the teams were divided into four groups of four, with the top two nations from each group advancing to the Super Eights. Aside from the ten Test nations and Kenya, who had full ODI status, Canada, Scotland, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Bermuda qualified for the tournament by placing in the top five ranked teams in the 2005 ICC Trophy. Both Bermuda and Ireland were making their World Cup debuts, with the Irish standing out.

This was the first World Cup final to be replayed; the teams previously met in the 1996 World Cup Final, which Sri Lanka won. Aside from the setback, Australia has won all of its World Cup games against Sri Lanka. The match was Sri Lanka’s second World Cup final appearance, and Australia’s sixth, the fourth in a row.

Going back into Australia vs Sri Lanka 2007 Match Details: 

This was the first World Cup final to be replayed; the sides had previously met in the 1996 final, which Sri Lanka won. Except for that loss, Australia has won all of its World Cup matches against Sri Lanka. The match marked Sri Lanka’s second World Cup final appearance, while Australia’s sixth and fourth consecutive victory.

Ricky Ponting won the toss and chose to bat. However, the start of play was delayed due to rain, and the match was reduced to 38 overs apiece. Adam Gilchrist’s 149 was the highest in a World Cup final, guiding Australia post an amazing score of 281.

Sri Lankan batters Kumar Sangakkara and Sanath Jayasuriya scored 116 for the second wicket before falling for 123 and 145, respectively. Despite constant wicket losses, Sri Lanka scored more than six runs every over. Further rain limited Sri Lanka’s innings to 36 overs, with the target reduced to 269. Due to poor illumination, the umpires suspended the game in the 33rd over, leaving Sri Lanka 37 runs behind the modified Duckworth-Lewis target.

Also read: India vs. Australia: Taking a Look Back at the 2003 Cricket World Cup

While Australia’s players began to celebrate their victory (since the minimum 20 overs had been completed), the umpires incorrectly stated that because the match had been delayed due to light rather than rain, the final three overs would have to be bowled the following day. With Sri Lanka requiring 61 runs from 18 deliveries, Jayawardene decided there was no need to return the following day and instructed his team to resume batting, while Ponting agreed to bowl just spinners. The final three overs were played in nearly full darkness, and Sri Lanka added nine runs to give Australia a 53-run Duckworth-Lewis win. The umpires later apologised for their error, noting that Australia should have won by 37 runs.

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